The featured speaker at the October 18 NEOCHMM meeting was Mark Baumgardner, CHMM who spoke about the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) and the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP) and how certification and credentials offered through IHMM can add value to your career.

The IHMM is a certification body made up of a Board of Directors consisting of 10 members serving staggered 4-year terms. The Board elects an Executive Committee and advises the Executive Director. The Board conducts 4 meetings per year plus committee meetings.

Obtaining a professional certification demonstrates a commitment to public safety and the environment. Mark discussed the four premier credentials offered by IHMM – Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP), Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP), and Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer (CDGT). IHMM certification credentials have been granted accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In addition, the IHMM CHMM and CHMP certification programs are accredited by The Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). Accredited credentials validate assessments of the hazmat professional’s knowledge, skills, and abilities and provide the acknowledgment that an individual has the competency to perform the functions of the profession.

Some of the goals of IHMM are to maintain and enhance premier brand identity, enhance and expand credentials such as attracting millennials to the CHMM certification and expanding the CDGP in China, and streamline the back office operations.

While IHMM is a certification body, the AHMP promotes advocacy, professional development, and social engagement. Some of the topics Mark touched upon were AHMP being open to non-certified members and chapters may combine into sections which are sections of AHMP. Mark noted that attendance at the recent National Convention held in Reno, Nevada was down from previous conventions.

Mark finished up his presentation on the topic of the annual Riversweep event held each year in May. In the past NEOCHMM partnered with the West Creek Conservancy and took on projects like removing shopping carts and debris from the West Creek and the surrounding areas. The new West Creek Reservation, a joint venture of Cleveland Metroparks and West Creek Conservancy, will keep 278 acres of diverse and valuable green space protected and further support the watershed. Riversweep has evolved from a reactive to a proactive program. For the past several years NEOCHMM has focused its energy on planting assorted trees and shrubs in vacant lots in an effort to provide an additional riparian buffer around West Creek. Mark predicts that future Riversweep projects may involve naturalizing the area following the demolition of former dormitories at the Parmadale Campus may be coming in the next few years.

We thank Mark for his presentation and his continued tireless involvement with IHMM, AHMP, Riversweep, and NEOCHMM.